Electronic equipment

ABSTRACT

Electronic equipment having an easily replaceable input device allowing various types of input operations, wherein the input device with a first signal generating part is fitted to the opening part of a cabinet from the outside and positioned, a lid-like cover is detachable from the cabinet and fixes the input device when installed on the opening part of the cabinet, and a second signal generating part is installed in the cabinet and functions in combination with the first signal generating part, whereby, since the input device is fixed by merely installing the lid-like cover. On the cabinet, the input device can be easily replaced without taking out a patch board having the second signal generating part thereon by opening the cabinet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus equippedwith an input device enabling various inputs when an operating memberundergoes required operation.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recently, electronic apparatuses equipped with various inputdevices have come into widespread use. One of such conventionalelectronic apparatuses will be described hereinafter with reference toFIG. 14.

[0003]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an essential part of theconventional electronic apparatus.

[0004] As shown in this drawing, terminal 2 of input device 1 iselectrically and mechanically connected in place to wiring board 3 ofthe electronic apparatus by soldering, whereby input device 1 is mountedto wiring board 3.

[0005] This input device 1 includes operating member 4 projectingupward. When an operator moves operating member 4 in a specifieddirection with a hand or a finger, input device 1 outputs an electricsignal corresponding to this operation.

[0006] This electric signal is sent from terminal 2 of input device 1 toa microcomputer (not shown) or the like of the electronic apparatus viawiring board 3, and consequently, the electronic apparatus starts aspecific function corresponding to this signal.

[0007] A top side of housing 5 serving as an upper case of theelectronic apparatus has opening 5A permitting the passage of operatingmember 4 of input device 1. Through this opening 6A, only operatingmember 4 projects on the top side of housing 5.

[0008] A variety of functions of the thus-configured conventionalelectronic apparatus equipped with input device 1 can be started bymanipulating operating member 4 of input device 1 that projects upwardfrom housing 5 or is exposed over housing 5.

[0009] Failed input device 1 of the conventional electronic apparatusdescribed above is replaced in the following manner.

[0010] Housing 5 of the electronic apparatus is opened, and wiring board3 is removed. Subsequently, failed input device 1 is removed bydetaching soldered terminal 2 of input device 1 from wiring board 3.Thereafter, a new input device is mounted to wiring board 3, and theelectronic apparatus is reassembled. The replacement is thus extremelytroublesome.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An electronic apparatus of the present invention includes aninput device, a housing, a cover, and a second signal generator.

[0012] The input device includes a first signal generator. The housingincludes an opening in which the input device is placed externally andpositioned. The cover can be detached from the housing and fixes theinput device when installed in the opening of the housing. The secondsignal generator is provided inside the housing and functions incombination with the first signal generator.

[0013] The input device installed in this electronic apparatus can beremoved by just detaching the cover from the housing. Thereafter,placing a new input device in the opening and reinstalling the cover onthe housing are all that is needed to allow the new input device tofunction electrically and mechanically. The replacement of the inputdevice is thus easy, eliminating the need to open the housing and toelectrically reconnect the second signal generator provided inside thehousing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic apparatusin accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a conceptual illustration of a housing seen from insidethe housing when a cover, which is an essential element in the firstembodiment, is mounted.

[0016]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic apparatusin accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 3.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 3from which a housing and a case of a trackball device are omitted.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the electronic apparatus of FIG. 3from which the housing, the case of the trackball device, a ball androllers are omitted.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 5,illustrating the trackball device in rolling operation.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 5,illustrating the trackball device in pressing operation.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an electronic apparatus, from whicha housing, a case of a trackball device, a ball and rollers are omitted,in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an essential part of anelectronic apparatus in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0025]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the electronicapparatus of FIG. 11.

[0026]FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 12,illustrating the electronic apparatus in complete condition.

[0027]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an essential part of aconventional electronic apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will bedemonstrated hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] (Exemplary Embodiment 1)

[0030]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic apparatusin accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0031]FIG. 2 illustrates a housing seen from inside the housing when acover, which is an essential element of the electronic apparatus, ismounted.

[0032] As shown in the drawings, substantially square input device 11 isconstructed of component case 12 made of resin, first signal generators13 provided inside case 12, and operating member 11A, and is installedin housing 14 of the electronic apparatus.

[0033] Housing 14 is provided with locating opening 15 large enough toreceive case 12 of input device 11.

[0034] This opening 15 is a combination of circular opening 15A providedin a top side of housing 14 and having a larger diameter than componentcase 12 in size, square opening 15B concentric with circular opening 15Apositioned above square opening 15B and matching up with case 12 inshape, and four retaining openings 15C each protruding outward from themiddle of each side of square opening 15B.

[0035] In regard to combination with cover 19 (described later),retaining openings 15C are preferably formed so that a circular arcconnecting respective outer peripheries of four retaining openings 15Cwill be similar in shape to circular opening 15A and will equal or willbe smaller than opening 15A in size.

[0036] By having square opening 15B and retaining openings 15C, opening15 defines projections for housing 14. These projections referred to asstepped parts 15D are flat, have the same height and are positionedbelow the top side of housing 14.

[0037] Housing 14 accommodates internal members including wiring board16.

[0038] Second signal generators 17 are arranged on wiring board 16. Eachone of these generators 17 produces a specified output by functioning incombination with corresponding first signal generator 13 provided insideinput device 11.

[0039] Second signal generator 17 has terminal 18, which is soldered towiring board 16.

[0040] Cover 19 with which circular opening 15A is closed has a smallerdiameter than circular opening 15A and is constructed of ring-shapedflat plate 20 having through hole 20A in the middle thereof, and fourL-shaped poles 21-24 projecting downward from an outer border of abottom surface of flat plate 20. L-shaped poles 21-24 have respectivehorizontal parts 25-28 not connecting with flat plate 20, and thesehorizontal parts 25-28 have respective grooves 29-30 in their respectiveouter sides.

[0041] L-shaped poles 21-24 are provided at an equal angular pitch at abottom side of cover 19, and horizontal parts 25-28 have respectiveleading ends oriented in the same direction.

[0042] Each one of horizontal parts 25-28 is shorter than each retainingopening 15C of opening 15.

[0043] After input device 11 is fit and positioned in square opening 15Bof opening 15 of housing 14, cover 19 is placed in such a manner thatL-shaped poles 21-24 are inserted into respective retaining openings15C. Cover 19 is thereafter turned clockwise with the bottom surface ofring-shaped flat plate 20 urged against stepped parts 15D, whereby eachone of horizontal parts 25-28 of poles 21-24 of cover 19 hitches on abottom surface of corresponding stepped part 15D. Cover 19 is thusmounted to housing 14, thereby fixing input device 11.

[0044] When cover 19 is turned clockwise, grooves 29-32 formed in therespective outer sides of L-shaped poles 21-24 of cover 19 engage withrespective projections 33-36 provided inside housing 14. This preventscover 19 from easily coming off when counterclockwise external forceacts on cover 19.

[0045] It is visually preferable that the thickness of flat plate 20 isequal to the depth of circular opening 15A so that a top surface ofcover 19 will be flush with the top side of housing 14 when cover 19 issecured by housing 14.

[0046] When cover 19 is secured by housing 14, input device 11 is fixedwithout fail because input device 11 is sandwiched vertically betweenwiring board 16 and cover 19 with its component case 12 fitting insquare opening 15B.

[0047] According to the present embodiment described above, justinstalling cover 19 to housing 14 facilitates the installation of inputdevice 11.

[0048] An operation of the electronic apparatus thus mounted with inputdevice 11 will be described hereinafter.

[0049] When operating member 11A of input device 11 is operated with ahand, a finger or the like, first signal generator 13 operates insynchronization with the movement of operating member 11A. Here, asignal is produced and transmitted to corresponding second signalgenerator 17 disposed on wiring board 16. This second signal generator17 then sends a specified output from its terminal 18 to an electronicdevice such as a microcomputer (not shown) via wiring board 16, andconsequently, the electronic apparatus starts a specific functioncorresponding to the signal.

[0050] When the operation of operating member 11A of input device 11 isstopped, first and second signal generators 13, 17 stop their respectiveoperations and return to a state in which no output signal is generated.

[0051] Input device 11 is replaced in the following manner. First, cover19 is turned counterclockwise with force great enough to disengagegrooves 29-32 of L-shaped poles 21-24 from respective projections 33-36until each one of horizontal parts 25-28 of poles 21-24 that is hitchedon the bottom surface of stepped part 15D of housing 14 returns tocorresponding retaining opening 15C. Cover 19 is then lifted off fromhousing 14.

[0052] Next, input device 11 positioned in square opening 15B of housing14 is removed, and new input device 11 is then placed in opening 15B.Thereafter, cover 19 is reinserted in opening 15 of housing 14 andturned clockwise to hitch each one of horizontal parts 25-28 of itspoles 21-24 on the bottom surface of each stepped part 15D and to engagegrooves 29-32 formed in the respective outer sides of horizontal parts25-28 with respective projections 33-36. Consequently, new input device11 is fixed by stepped parts 15D of housing 14, wiring board 16 andcover 19.

[0053] In a typical electronic apparatus, input device 11 having amechanically movable part such as operating member 11A is well known forits high frequency of failure. Input device 11 of the present inventionis superior in maintenance because as described above, device 11 can bereplaced with ease when failed.

[0054] In cases where input device 11 has failed, repair is simply amatter of replacing device 11 in the simple manner described above, sothat there is no need to troublesomely solder first signal generators 13of input device 11, second signal generators 17 and others to wiringboard 16 and to detach them from board 16.

[0055] Cover 19 may be fixed to housing 14 by snap fitting or screwinginstead of turning the one having L-shaped poles 21-24 such as describedabove.

[0056] For relative ease of alignment between each first signalgenerator 13 and each corresponding second signal generator 17, forexample, in replacement of input device 11, it is preferable that firstsignal generator 13 of input device 11 and second signal generator 17disposed on wiring board 16 function in noncontact combination, using,for example, magnetism or light.

[0057] For example, a magnet is used as first signal generator 13 ofinput device 11, while a magnetic sensor such as a Hall device is usedas second signal generator 17 inside housing 14. In this case, first andsecond signal generators 13, 17 function in noncontact relation, and aspecified output is obtained from second signal generator 17.

[0058] In the above case, water-proof insulating sheet 37 can bedisposed between first signal generators 13 of input device 11 andsecond signal generators 17 of housing 14 for protection from dust orwater entering from opening 15 in which input device 11 is placed, inputdevice 11 per se or others. Consequently, the electronic apparatus canhave a dustproof and waterproof structure.

[0059] Instead of having insulating sheet 37, the electronic apparatusmay have a wall, provided in the form of a box-shaped recessed part tocover the periphery and bottom of opening 15 of housing 14, as awaterproof construction.

[0060] By using a light-emitting device such as a LED or an EL device,for example, at wiring board 16 provided with second signal generators17 inside housing 14 and using light-transmitting material for cover 19to allow cover 19 to guide light emitted by the light-emitting device tothe top side of housing 14, the periphery of input device 11 can beilluminated with this light. This improves visibility of the position ofinput device 11 and allows favorable operation, for example, even atnight.

[0061] Not only cover 19 but also component case 12 of input device 11may be made of light-transmitting material to guide the light emitted bythe light-emitting device.

[0062] As described above, the present embodiment facilitates thereplacement of input device 11 which can be removed by just detachingcover 19 from housing 14 without removing housing 14 from the electronicapparatus.

[0063] The present invention is applicable to cases where a stick, apad, a rolling member or the like is mounted as operating member 11A ofinput device 11, and each first signal generator 13 operates inaccordance with the operation of such operating member 11A.

[0064] (Exemplary Embodiment 2)

[0065] The second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter.

[0066] In the present embodiment, a trackball device capable ofdetecting operation and a signal through use of magnetism is mounted inan electronic apparatus in place of input device 11 such as described inthe first exemplary embodiment. Elements similar to those in the firstembodiment have the same reference marks and will not described indetail.

[0067]FIGS. 3 and 4 are an exploded perspective view and a sectionalview, respectively, of the electronic apparatus in accordance with thesecond embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top plan view ofthe same electronic apparatus from which a housing, and a case of thetrackball device are omitted, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken alongline A-A of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the same electronicapparatus from which the housing, the case of the trackball device, aball, rollers and others are omitted.

[0068] As shown in these drawings, the electronic apparatus of thepresent embodiment has trackball device 40 placed in opening 15 ofhousing 14 as input device 11. Cover 19 is mounted and fixed to housing14 from the upper side, so that trackball device 40 is positioned.

[0069] First, a description will be provided of this trackball device40.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, XI roller 42 and XII roller 43 aredisposed in opposed relation, and YI roller 44 and YII roller 45 aredisposed in opposed relation. These rollers 42-45 each have the shape ofa round shaft and are arranged in a square configuration in the vicinityof respective sides of a top surface of square base 41 molded out ofresin, so that one pair of rollers is orthogonal to the other pair ofrollers. Supports 46-49 formed integrally with base 41 rotatably supportrollers 42-45, respectively.

[0071] Contact parts 42A, 43A, 44A, 45A provided at respective middleparts of XI roller 42, XII roller 43, YI roller 44 and YII roller 45 arein respective positions slightly lower than a center of ball (operatingmember) 50 of trackball device 40 and are positioned around ball 50 toeach face ball 50 across an established clearance.

[0072] Respective contact parts 42A-45A of XI roller 42 to YII roller 45are circular in section and have specific recessed and projected partsin respective equally divided positions in circumference.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, rollers 42-45 have, at theirrespective ends, magnets (first signal generators) 51-54 each magnetizedwith north and south poles alternating every 90°. These magnets 51-54rotate in synchronization with respective rotating rollers 42-45.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, case 55 of trackball device 40 isfixed on base 41 to form a component case in cooperation with base 41.This case 55 is made of resin and has circular hole 55A in the center ofits top surface and peripheral wall 55B extending downward from an outeredge of its top surface. Circular hole 55A has a smaller diameter thanball 50 to allow an upper portion of ball 50 stored in case 55 toproject, and a lower edge of peripheral wall 55B is fixed to base 41.Thus, trackball device 40 does not let go of ball 50 under normalconditions.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, ball 50 is pushed from beneath by one end ofresilient cantilever plate spring 56, the other end of which is fixedinto base 41 by insert molding or the like. When ball 50 is in such anormal condition as not to be operated, circular hole 55A in the centerof the top surface of case 55 is closed by the upper end portion of ball50.

[0076] Ball 50 is vertically movable in a space defined by case 55 andbase 41 since a lower end portion of ball 50 pushes plate spring 56 downwhen downward pressing force is applied to ball 50.

[0077] After trackball device 40 thus configured is placed in opening 15of housing 14 as described earlier, cover 19 is mounted. Consequently,the component case (a combination of base 41 and case 55) is restrictedsideways by a sidewall of each stepped part 15D of housing 14 andsandwiched vertically between wiring board 57 disposed inside housing 14and cover 19, thereby being fixedly installed in the electronicapparatus.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, magnetic sensors 58-61 are disposed on wiringboard 57 inside housing 14 with their respective terminals 58A-61Asoldered to wiring board 57. These magnetic sensors 58-61 are secondsignal generators functioning in combination with respective magnets(first signal generators) 5154 of trackball device 40 to outputspecified signals.

[0079] Magnetic sensors 58-61 are provided in respective positionscorresponding to respective magnets 51-54 attached to respective rollers42-45 of trackball device 40.

[0080] These sensors 58-61 and a top side of wiring board 57 arecollectively covered with flexible insulating sheet 62.

[0081] A central part of a configuration of magnetic sensors 58-61arranged on wiring board 57 corresponds to the position of the lower endportion of ball 50 of trackball device 40. Wiring board 57 is formedwith, at this central part, self-restoring push switch 63.

[0082] This self-restoring push switch 63 includes outer fixed contact64 formed of metallic foil or the like on wiring board 57, domelikemovable contact 65 formed of a convex, resilient metal sheet, andcentral fixed contact 66 provided on wiring board 57 below a centralportion of movable contact 65. Movable contact 65 and central fixedcontact 66 face each other across an established space, and a topsurface of movable contact 65 is covered with flexible insulating film67 having an adhesive layer on its bottom surface.

[0083] Push switch 63 having the above-described structure islow-profile and can be constructed at low cost. This push switch 63 alsohas high performance because switch 63 restores itself and has a clickfeel in operation.

[0084] Domelike movable contact 65 has resilient restitutive force setequal to or greater than specified resilient restitutive force so as notto be turned inside out by being pressed by ball 50 when ball 50 is innormal condition or in rolling operation.

[0085] It is not necessary for wiring board 57 to be formed withself-restoring push switch 63. Switch 63 may be mounted to wiring board57 as a completed low-profile single push switch.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a description will be provided nextof an operation of the electronic apparatus in accordance with thepresent embodiment.

[0087]FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line X-X of FIG. 5,illustrating ball 50 of the trackball device in rolling operation, andFIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating ball 50 in pressing operation.

[0088] First, a description will be provided of a leftward rollingoperation of ball 50 that follows the normal condition illustrated byFIGS. 4 and 6 in which trackball device (input device) 40 of theelectronic apparatus of this embodiment is not in operation. Theleftward rolling operation is rolling of ball 50 leftward, that is, in adirection indicated by an arrow of each one of FIGS. 6 and 8 with a handor a finger touching the upper portion of ball (operating member) 50projecting upward through circular hole 55A of case 55 of trackballdevice 40.

[0089] When rolled leftward, ball 50 contacts only contact part 42A ofXI roller 42 positioned in the direction of the operation, or ball 50contacts contact part 42A of XI roller 42 and either contact part 44A ofYI roller 44 or contact part 45A of YII roller 45 at the same time.

[0090] Here, ball 50 rotates while contacting the recessed and projectedparts provided at contact part 42A of XI roller 42, which is positionedin the direction of the operation, at right angles, thereby generatingfrictional force great enough to rotate XI roller 42, and consequently,XI roller rotates.

[0091] Even when ball 50 comes into contact with either contact part 44Aof YI roller 44 or contact part 45A of YII roller 45 that is disposedalong a direction orthogonal to the direction of the operation, ball 50contacts the recessed and projected parts of contact part 44A or 45A ina substantially horizontal direction, so that any one of YI roller 44and YII roller 45 is not provided with enough frictional force forrotation. Consequently, ball 50 runs idle, and YI roller 44 and YIIroller 45 do not rotate.

[0092] As XI roller 42 rotates, magnet (first signal generator) 51provided at the end of roller 42 rotates accordingly, and the north andsouth poles of magnet 51 alternately and repeatedly approachcorresponding magnetic sensor (second signal generator) 58 disposedbelow magnet 51 on wiring board 57.

[0093] As the north pole of magnet 51 approaches magnetic sensor 58,magnetism of the north pole that acts on magnetic sensor 58 increasesaccordingly, and sensor 58 produces a larger positive output voltageaccordingly.

[0094] As the south pole approaches sensor 58, magnetism of the southpole that acts on sensor 58 increases accordingly, and sensor 58produces a larger negative output voltage accordingly.

[0095] In other words, when the output voltage from terminal 58A ofmagnetic sensor 58 exceeds a specified value, an ON state isestablished, and an OFF state is established when the output voltage isat or below the specified value. A corresponding signal is processed bya microcomputer (not shown) or the like for generation of a digitalsignal.

[0096] This allows determination of the number of revolutions of XIroller 42, and based on the number of revolutions, the amount ofmovement of a cursor or the like, which is displayed on a display screenof the electronic apparatus, in a positive or negative direction on thex-axis is determined.

[0097] When ball 50 is rolled rightward, XI roller 42 does not rotate,but XII roller 43 rotates, and the amount of movement of the cursor,displayed on the screen, in a direction opposite to the above-mentionedleftward rolling operation on the x-axis is determined. When ball 50 isrolled forward or backward in the drawing, XI roller 42 and XII roller43 do not rotate, but opposed YI roller 44 and YII roller 45 rotate, andthe amount of movement in a positive or negative direction on the y-axisis determined.

[0098] When ball 50 is rolled diagonally in the drawing, one of XIroller 42 and XII roller 43 and one of YI roller 44 and YII roller 45rotate, and the amount of movement of the cursor in the specifieddirection defined by the x- and y-axes is determined based on therolling direction and components of ball 50.

[0099] In the above description, magnets 51-54 of XI roller 42 to YIIroller 45 of trackball device 40 are each magnetized with the north andsouth poles alternating every 90°. This means that the signal isproduced twice during one rotation of each one of rollers 42-45.However, the number of times the signal is produced may be increased ordecreased on as a needed basis.

[0100] When the upper portion of ball 50 is pressed with the finger orthe like in the normal condition (illustrated by FIG. 4) after thearrival of the cursor in a desired position on the display screenthrough the rolling operation of ball 50, ball 50 pushes down platespring 56, disposed below ball 50, as shown in FIG. 9. Consequently,projection 56A of plate spring 56 presses, at its bottom surface, acentral portion of the top part of push switch 63, that is, the centralportion of domelike movable contact 65 downward via insulating sheet 62.

[0101] When this downward pressing force exceeds a specified value,domelike movable contact 65 is resiliently turned inside out with theclick feel. Here, a bottom surface of the central portion of movablecontact 65 contacts central fixed contact 66 as shown in FIG. 9, wherebyconduction is established between outer and central fixed contacts 64,66 through movable contact 65.

[0102] Here, a signal is transmitted as a signal identifying theposition of the cursor on the display screen to a circuit of theelectronic apparatus mounted with trackball device 40 through a circuit(not shown) on wiring board 57.

[0103] When the downward pressing force applied to ball 50 is released,domelike movable contact 65 restores its original domelike shape by itsown resilient restoring force and pushes ball 50 back from beneathinsulating sheet 62 and projection 56A of plate spring 56. Consequently,outer and central fixed contacts 64, 66 of push switch 63 areelectrically disconnected from each other.

[0104] In addition, ball 50 is pushed up until it is urged againstcircular hole 55A of case 55 by the restoring force of cantilever platespring 56, thus returning to the normal condition illustrated by FIG. 4.

[0105] Insulating sheet 62 may have a domelike portion corresponding topush switch 63 to function in place of plate spring 56. In this case,the domelike portion urges ball 50 upward by contacting the lower endportion of ball 50, thereby closing circular hole 55A of case 55.

[0106] According to the present embodiment described above, the cursordisplayed on the screen can be moved easily with high definition throughthe rolling operation of ball 50, and the signal identifying theposition of the cursor can be produced by operating push switch 63,positioned below ball 50, through the pressing operation of ball 50. Theobtained electronic apparatus equipped with the push switch and thetrackball device thus operates stably and allows a small projected area.

[0107] Even this embodiment eliminates the need to open housing 14 forremoval of wiring board 57, thereby facilitating the replacement oftrackball device 40 when, for example, a structurally operating part oftrackball device 40 has failed. The present embodiment is also similarto the first embodiment in that the electronic apparatus has a dustproofand waterproof structure since magnetic sensors 58-61 and the top sideof wiring board 57 are collectively covered with waterproof insulatingsheet 62.

[0108] (Exemplary Embodiment 3)

[0109] The third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter.

[0110] As in the case with the electronic apparatus of the secondexemplary embodiment, an electronic apparatus of the present embodimentis equipped with magnetic trackball device 40 as an input device. Inthis embodiment, second signal generators differ from those of thesecond embodiment, and the description deals mainly with these secondsignal generators.

[0111] Elements (e.g., elements of trackball device 40) similar to thosein the first and second embodiments have the same reference marks andwill not be described in detail.

[0112]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the electronic apparatus, from whicha housing, a case of the trackball device, a ball and rollers areomitted, in accordance with the third embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0113] As shown in this drawing, the present embodiment differsstructurally from the second embodiment illustrated by FIG. 7 in thatthe second signal generators mounted on wiring board 57 are four reedswitches 71-74.

[0114] These four reed switches 71-74 are disposed on wiring board 57 ofthe electronic apparatus with their respective terminals 71A-74Asoldered to board 57. As in the case of the second embodiment, thesesecond signal generators are provided in respective positionscorresponding to respective magnets (first signal generators) 51-54 (notshown in FIG. 10) attached to respective XI roller 42 to YII roller 45(not shown in FIG. 10) rotatably supported by base 41.

[0115] As north and south poles of magnets 51-54 mounted to respectiverollers 42-45 change their positions relative to each other throughrotations of rollers 42-45, reed switches 71-74 repeatedly switch backand forth between ON and OFF accordingly. In this way, reed switches71-74 output digital signals.

[0116] Except for the reed switches, the structure of the presentembodiment is similar to that of the second embodiment and will not bedescribed.

[0117] Next, a description will be provided of an operation of thethus-configured electronic apparatus in accordance with the presentembodiment.

[0118] When ball 50 of trackball device 40 is rolled leftward, XI roller42 positioned in the rolling direction of ball 50 rotates as in the caseof the second embodiment. Accordingly, magnet (first signal generator)51 rotates, and its north and south poles alternately and repeatedlyapproach corresponding reed switch (second signal generator) 71 as inthe case of the second embodiment.

[0119] When the north pole or the south pole of magnet 51 are in aspecified region with respect to reed switch 71, reed switch 71 is inthe ON state, and switch 71 changes to the OFF state when the north andsouth poles deviate from the specified region. Reed switch 71 thusproduces the digital signal corresponding to the rotation of magnet 51.

[0120] In this way, the number of revolutions of roller 42, that is, theamount of movement of a cursor, displayed on a display screen of theelectronic apparatus including trackball device 40, in the specifieddirection is determined. This is similar to the case of the secondembodiment.

[0121] Even in cases where ball 50 is rolled in a different direction, asimilar operation takes place, and the reed switch corresponding to thedirection of the operation produces the digital signal.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the electronic apparatus operatessimilarly to that of the second embodiment when ball 50 of trackballdevice 50 is pressed, and trackball device 40 is mounted in a mannersimilar to that of the second embodiment, so that their descriptions areomitted.

[0123] According to the present embodiment described above, reedswitches 7174 are disposed as the second signal generators, so that eachof their outputs can be obtained in the form of the digital signal.Thus, the electronic apparatus does not require an A/D conversioncircuit for processing a signal and has simplified circuitry.

[0124] (Exemplary Embodiment 4)

[0125] The fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter.

[0126] In an electronic apparatus of the present embodiment, a partwhere input device 11 is mounted differs in structure from that of thefirst embodiment, and the description deals mainly with this part,referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0127]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an essential part of theelectronic apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, and FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of thesame electronic apparatus. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along lineB-B of FIG. 12, illustrating the electronic apparatus in completecondition.

[0128] As shown in these drawings, the electronic apparatus of thepresent embodiment utilizes housing 81 per se for positioning andmounting input device 11.

[0129] In other words, the structure of the present embodiment does notinclude cover 19 (see FIG. 1) such as described in the first embodiment.This allows the reduced number of parts.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, housing 81 has opening 81A which isprovided in place to correspond to operating member 11A of input device11, and in the vicinity of opening 81A, locating recess 81Bcorresponding to the shape of an upper part of component case 12 ofinput device 11 is provided in a reverse side of housing 81.

[0131] Although elements such as other operating members are not shownin the drawings, housing 81 is provided with those elements on its sidehaving opening 81A. In other words, the side of housing 81 that facesoperating member 11A of input device 11 defines a main operating surfaceof the electronic apparatus.

[0132] On wiring board 16 disposed inside housing 81, second signalgenerators 17 are disposed in respective positions corresponding toopening 81A and recess 81B by soldering or the like.

[0133] Each one of second signal generators 17 produces a specifiedoutput signal by functioning in noncontact combination with eachcorresponding first signal generator (not shown) provided inside inputdevice 11.

[0134] Although elements such as other electronic parts are not shown inthe drawings, those elements are mounted on wiring board 16 with secondsignal generators 17, and those elements, second signal generators 17and a top side of board 16 are collectively covered with insulatingsheet 37.

[0135] Thus, wiring board 16 and those elements, such as second signalgenerators 17 and other electronic devices, which are mounted on board16, can be protected without fail from dust or water entering fromopening 81A of housing 81 or holes or slits, formed for other operatingmembers in the side having opening 81A.

[0136] Input device 11 is positioned and mounted by being sandwichedbetween recess 81B of housing 81 and insulating sheet 37 covering wiringboard 16 after its operating member 1A is inserted through opening 81Aof housing 81. Since the upper part of component case 12 of input device11 is inserted in recess 81B, case 12 and recess 81B engage sidewayswith each other, whereby input device 11 is positioned in a directionparallel to wiring board 16. Moreover, input device 11 is positionedvertically because a top surface of case 12 is pressed down by thereverse side of housing 81 at recess 81B, while a bottom surface of case12 is supported by insulating sheet 37 over wiring board 16.

[0137] Rattle or the like produced by input device 11 can be reduced ifsoft insulting sheet 37 is used and pressed slightly along its thicknessby the bottom surface of case 12 in installation. Input device 11 thusobtained is of high quality.

[0138] As mentioned above, the electronic apparatus of the presentembodiment has the reduced number of elements, and the part of inputdevice 11 that includes operating member 11A can be removed forreplacement by just opening housing 81.

[0139] In the present embodiment, an operation and others of inputdevice 11 are similar to those described in the first embodiment andwill not be described.

[0140] In this embodiment, housing 81 has been utilized to hold inputdevice 11 down. However, input device 11 may be positioned and mountedby use of another member.

[0141] Input device 11 using the first signal generators in noncontactcondition for operation is not limited to a stick type input device suchas described above. For example, the input device may be trackballdevice 40 such as described in the second embodiment, or may use arolling member such as a ball or a roller as the operating member or apad for specified input operation.

[0142] The present invention's structure for mounting the input deviceis also applicable to elements other than input device 11.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0143] An electronic apparatus of the present invention that includes aninput device has first signal generators disposed inside the inputdevice, and second signal generators disposed in a housing, and thesesecond signal generators function in combination with the first signalgenerators, respectively. The replacement of the input device is easybecause it does not require removal of a wiring board disposed insidethe housing, and the electronic apparatus is excellently maintainableand has excellent reliability.

[0144] The first and second signal generators operate in noncontactrelation. This facilitates improvement of the apparatus's resistance todust and water.

[0145] The use of a trackball device as the input device allows fineinput operation such as selecting, deciding on or confirming a requiredoperation. Since an output from each one of the second signal generatorscan be obtained in the form of a digital signal, the electronicapparatus can have simplified circuitry and is inexpensive and easy touse.

1. An electronic apparatus comprising: an input device including firstsignal-generating-means; a housing having an opening for mounting saidinput device; a cover, detachable from said housing, for fixing saidinput device when installed in said opening of said housing; and secondsignal-generating-means provided inside said housing, said secondsignal-generating-means functioning in combination with said firstsignal-generating-means.
 2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid cover is made of light-transmitting material.
 3. The electronicapparatus of claim 1, wherein said first signal-generating-means andsaid second signal-generating-means are out of contact with each other.4. The electronic apparatus of claim 3, wherein said secondsignal-generating-means is mounted to a wiring board disposed insidesaid housing, and said second signal-generating-means and said wiringboard are covered with an insulating sheet.
 5. The electronic apparatusof claim 1, wherein said first signal-generating-means and said secondsignal-generating-means form a trackball device.
 6. The electronicapparatus of claim 5, wherein said first signal-generating-means of saidtrackball device includes a magnet, and said secondsignal-generating-means of said trackball device includes a magneticsensor.
 7. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein said firstsignal-generating-means of said trackball device includes a magnet, andsaid second signal-generating-means of said trackball device includes areed switch.
 8. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein saidtrackball device includes a vertically movable ball, and a switch whichoperates in relation to vertical movement of said ball is provided on awiring board on which said second signal-generating-means is disposed.9. The electronic apparatus of claim 5, wherein said trackball deviceincludes a ball, and said ball is pressed against a circular hole of acomponent case from inside said component case by a resilient memberdisposed below said ball.
 10. The electronic apparatus of claim 6 or 7,wherein said trackball device comprises: a ball; four round rollers eachdisposed orthogonal to said ball, each of said rollers facing said ballacross a clearance and having a recessed and projected part at a partthereof which contacts said ball; and said magnet rotatably fixed to oneend of each of said rollers to serve as said firstsignal-generating-means, wherein said magnet rotates in accordance withrotation of one of said four rollers that contacts said ball, therebychanging magnetism when said ball is rolled.
 11. An electronic apparatuscomprising: an input device including first signal-generating-means; ahousing for mounting said input device therein, said housing having anopening through which an operating member of said input device projects;a wiring board provided inside said housing, said wiring board mountedwith second signal-generating-means functioning in noncontactcombination with said first signal-generating-means; and an insulatingsheet covering said second signal-generating-means and said wiringboard.
 12. The electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein said insulatingsheet covers a side of said wiring board that faces a main operatingsurface of said housing.
 13. The electronic apparatus of claim 11,wherein said input device is positioned between a reverse side of saidhousing and said insulating sheet.